St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1887-06-06
CONVERSION OF SAUL.
The Theme of Rev. Van Anda's
Sermon at Centenary.

Sermon at Centenary.
The conversion of Saul of Torsus is
demonstration of the truth of the
Christian religion, His mind was clear
and discriminating, besides he was
strongly prejudiced against the new
religion. He became leader in perse-
cution. His activity in this work is
shown by such phrases as 'Saul made
havoc OF the church, breathing out
threatening and slaughter. And being
exceedingly mad against them, perSe-
cuted them even unto the large cities"
lie went to Damascus clothed with au
thorlty which he sought from the high
priest, to bind and bring to Jerusalem
all that might be found of that way.
CONVICTION is always difficult when it is
opposed by justice. Let us remember
the distance of this journey-140 miles
the difficulties to be overcome, how
weary he became and thus try to meas
ure his opposition to Jesus. He had
reached the suburbs of the city, when
there was sudden and awful flash of
light which Frustrated the whole COM
and asked the question: Saul, Saul,
why persecutest thou me?" The
trembling man asks: "Who art thOu?"
10 his utter amaZement the reply is:
II am Jesus, whom thou persecutest."
All! If men knew how Jesus was allied
to the church, how He was the head and
the church His body, they would be care
ful how they opposed it. This reSolu-
ton of Christ caused him to change his
purpose in moment. He will cease his
persecution, acknowledge Jesus as SOW
ereign, and hence he asks: lord,
what wilt thou have me to dO?' Just
here thousands fail. They are con-
WINGED of the truth. They know re-
pentance is demanded, but they will not
give up their sins and submit to Christ.
Jesus responds to his question by di-
rectlng him to point in the city where
full reply to his question should be
given. You would honor His church,
hence AnaniaS is sent to lead this in
curing soul into the kingdom. The
hesltancy of Ananias is a picture of
what we see every day. Individuals,
and the church, as body, will not enter
open fields through fear or discourage
ment. We are still slow to believe that
God can save the very worst of men. So
God prepares notions for the gospel and
plainly tells the church to go and
preach that gospel, but often the church
heSltateS, Oh the ground of inability or
from some other real or financial diff
Guilty. Being assured that God had
chosen this man for minister to the
gentileS and to be a witness before rul-
ers and kings, Ananias obeyed the
call of Jesus, went and baptized this
penltent and he was converted and inn
mediately began his glorious ministry.
We have sketch of that ministry
through a period of thirty years, and it
is not too much to say that as an exhi-
bition of heroism, fortitude, devotion to
God and to men, it is nowhere surpassed
i'll human history. 1t would be folly for
us to continue in sin, waiting for such
conviction as this since we have not his
difficulties to contend with. The truth
is, our knowledge is far in advance of
our work. If we did as well as we
knew what marked change would be
seen. And let us not forget the lesson
of Gods Astounding grace. If Saul
could be saved in moment and then
be kept for thirty years, humble and
pure, surely none need despair.